Truths from Your Child

• Don't overindulge me. I know that I shouldn't have all that I ask for. I'm only testing you.
  
  
• Don't be afraid to be firm with me, I need to know who's in charge to feel secure.
  
  
• Don't let me form bad habits. I rely on you to correct me in the early stages.
  
  
• Don't correct me in front of people if you can avoid it. It's humiliating, and I'll be more responsive in private.
  
  
• Don't label me bad for my mistakes. Show me how I can do it differently or better.
  
  
• Don't protect me from consequences. I need to learn from difficult situations.
  
  
• Don't be upset when I say I hate you. It's your control I don't like, not you.
  
  
• Don't be too concerned about my minor ailments. Sometimes I use them to get attention.
  
  
• If you nag me too much I will turn a deaf ear.
  
  
• Don't make rash promises. I feel let down when you don't keep your word.
  
  
• Don't tax my honesty too much. I am easily frightened into telling lies.
  
  
• Don't be inconsistent. That confuses me and makes me lose faith in you.
  
  
• Don't tell me fears are silly. They are real to me and you can do much to reassure me.
  
  
• Don't be put off by my questions. If you do, I will stop asking you and go elsewhere.
  
  
• Don't act as if you are perfect or infallible. It's disappointing to find you are not.
  
  
• Try to remember the difference between punishment and discipline. Punishment teaches me anger, discipline teaches me change.
  
  
• Don't think that it is undignified to apologize to me. That's the way I learn the value of owning up to a mistake.